This species has become common in the urban habitats of the southern part of the North Island and much of the South Island. Its original home is thought to be in the Nelson-Marlborough area and perhaps also in the Wellington ranges. It is now abundant in many urban sites and, as eggs or juveniles, must have been inadvertently carried around the country in soil associated with plants. It has been found in most garden centres from New Plymouth and Napier in the north to Invercargill in the south. Its habits are similar to those of Arthurdendyus triangulatus.